Outdoors for All Foundation: Enabling Adventure for Everyone
Founded in 1979, a small organization known as Ski for All Foundation was founded to teach children with disabilities to ski. In 1985, it added Nordic skiing and snowshoeing and further evolved in 1991 with the start of summer adaptive therapeutic activities including cycling, hiking, camping, river rafting, kayaking, rock climbing, day camps and yoga. In 2006 the name of the foundation was changed to better reflect the year round nature of mission and programming.
Outdoors for All has grown into a national leader and the largest provider of adaptive and therapeutic recreation in the Pacific Northwest. We offer year-round programming that includes activities like skiing, cycling, kayaking, rock climbing, day camps, and custom group programs. With the help of 850 dedicated volunteers and over 100 partner organizations, we enrich the lives of nearly 3,000 individuals each year. Our adaptive recreation programs not only keep people with disabilities physically active, but also build self-esteem, foster community inclusion, and enhance emotional well-being.
Programs and Impact
Outdoors for All serves thousands of participants annually, thanks to the dedication of trained volunteers and staff. Key offerings include:
- Adaptive Cycling: Using specialized bikes, individuals of all abilities can experience the joy of cycling on trails and roads.
- Skiing and Snowboarding: In winter, Outdoors for All operates programs at regional ski resorts, ensuring accessibility for everyone.
- Day Camps and Clinics: These seasonal programs offer opportunities for participants to try a variety of outdoor activities in supportive environments.
The foundation’s work goes beyond recreation—it’s about breaking barriers and proving that the outdoors is for everyone.
Outdoors for All has had an incredibly busy summer and fall, filled with a wide range of programs and activities across the state. The Adaptive Cycling Centers broke new records this year, with the addition of our Lake Sammamish location enabling a total of 471 riders, creating 1,426 unique experiences, and sharing a total of 1,659 hours of riding.
Outdoors for All had an incredibly successful 23rd annual fundraising Gala Auction, benefiting the Outdoors for All Foundation on November 9, where they raised an outstanding $558,000! The evening was filled with energy and excitement, bringing the community of supporters, advocates and participants together in a powerful show of support for the mission. OFA staff is settling into new headquarters on Richards Road, and is focused on finishing the year strong under the leadership of a new Executive Director, Clark Halvorson. .
Outdoors for All has deep ties to the Mercer Island community, including one of the founding families who is still deeply involved in the leadership, David Moffet & Kathy Moffet McDonald; and the new president of the board, Islander, Colin Brandt (who is also this January’s Health & Wellness issue’s cover model)!
Volunteers are an integral part of the Outdoors for All operations, and they are always looking for enthusiastic and reliable people to join the team. There are several ways to volunteer with the year-round outdoor recreation programs, fundraising events and more. Volunteer program activities include: Downhill skiing and snowboarding, Cross-country skiing & snowshoeing, cycling / biking, mountain biking, kayaking, rock climbing and summer camps.
For more information on Outdoors For All, please visit http://outdoorsforall.org